Penguins linked to Paul Kariya

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I’m writing this with caution but i just got word a few minutes ago that Paul Kariya has narrowed his list down to 3 and the Penguins appear to be the favorite at this moment. The Buzz on the Burgh has learned that the Penguins and Kariya are currently talking about a 3 year deal. The Penguins are offering less money than others but are offering a third year.

The Penguins have re-signed defenseman Ryan Whitney to a 6 yr extension. I reported Wednesday Whitney was seeking 5 years to the Penguins intial offer of 4 years – 14 million but Whitney was able to land a 6 year deal which is great for him and the franchise. The deal is 6yrs – 24 million and will be

Updated 4:17. The Penguins appear to be a finalist for defenseman Scott Hannan. According to the Trib Calgary and LA also finalist. Talked to a good source who said its believed the Penguins offer is a 4yr deal worth around 3.5 million. Calgary appears to be the front runner offering over 4 million dollars but Hannan is reportedly still seriously considering Pittsburgh. Colorado is believed to have offered Hannan 4.25 million but now indications are they have turned their attention to making a run at Ryan Smith.

PenguinBuzz.com is reporting the Penguins have signed goaltender Danny Sabourin. No surprise here as i stated Friday night Shero was very impressed with Sabourin last year.

Trade Buzz: Thursday’s 1-for-1 trade of young underperforming players saw the Minnesota Wild acquire center Victor Rask from the Carolina Hurricanes for left winger Nino Niederreiter. Carolina did an excellent job of being able to get out of the Rask contract, who has three years remaining with a $4 million cap hit. Rask has 1 goal, 5 assists on the season, mirrored in a 22-game goal drought. The logic here for Minnesota is taking the chance on a playmaking center who can help fill a top-9 spot longer term if the Wild move on from Eric Staal. Minnesota is also playing the card that a change of scenery will benefit the 24-year old who posted a career-high 21 goals, 48 points in 2015-2016.

Niederreiter’s trade value was stunted because of his contract, where he has three years left on his deal with a $5.25 million cap hit. Niederreiter is a player who is extremely hard to play against, drives possession well, and has three 20 goal seasons over his last four full seasons. Injuries (18 goals in 63 games) kept him from a 4th straight 20-goal season in 17-18. The Niederreiter acquisition also sets up as great insurance for the Hurricanes if they can’t resign Micheal Ferland. In the short-term, Carolina’s center situation is a mess with Jordan Staal sidelined with a concussion, but they’re getting the better player who fits the identity they’re trying to establish upfront, especially on the wings where they’ve identified the need for Patric Hornqvist type players.